Your ultimate guide to holiday happenings in and around Sonoma
Think outside the box this holiday season and try something new. Never been to the Sonoma Mission for the annual candlelight Christmas ceremony? Get tickets and give it a whirl. Haven't sat on Santa's lap in a while? Bring the kids to brunch at Ramekins and whisper in the jolly guy's ear. Or, remember our veterans at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Veterans' Memorial Park. Maybe even venture out of town for a new experience like a helicopter fly-in by St. Nick himself. Certainly not an exhaustive guide but a good start on fun things to do here in the Valley and even, a little bit further out in the county.
F.I.S.H.
Food donation barrels will be placed at locations around the Valley (banks, grocery stores, assorted businesses) for those you otherwise wouldn't have a holiday meal. Details: 996-0111
Sonoma Valley Holiday Program
Donations and community volunteers of all ages needed for the SVHP's annual holiday community dinner, holiday 'store' and gift program that provides hundreds of local families with presents for the holidays. Details: svholiday.org or 931-4114.
Le Cirque de Boheme at Cornerstone Sonoma
Shows run through Sunday, Dec. 18
Cost: Adults $30/kids (15 years and younger) $22
Cirque de Boheme is based on the French tradition of the 1920s with unicycles, a contortionist, juggler, slack-rope, hand chair balancing and more. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive Details: visit cirquedeboheme2016.brownpapertickets.com
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 3 and 4, Dec. 10 and 11, Dec. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Montgomery Village, Farmers Lane in Santa Rosa
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be ready for photos at Santa's Village. Details: mvshops.com
Sonoma Plaza Holiday Window Contest
Through Wednesday, Dec. 21
The fifth annual Sonoma Valley Holiday Window Contest includes ballot voting, for a crowd favorite award, as well as a panel award. Details: sonomavalley.com or 996-1090
Joy to the World from Transcendence Theatre Company
Friday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $129 - $31.50
Broadway showstoppers, holiday favorites and modern twists on some of the world's most uplifting holiday songs. Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa. Details: LutherBurbankCenter.org or 546-3600
Model Railroad Show
Dec. 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations gratefully accepted
Bigger and better than ever, the Depot Park Museum's Holiday train display extends across the entire museum. Kids are always welcome and are first in line to become Junior Engineers. Details: depotparkmuseum.org or call 938-1762.
Santa Comes to Sonoma Plaza
Friday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Santa makes his first appearance of the season atop a bright red fire truck in the Plaza horseshoe, along with hot chocolate for the kiddos. Details: sonomavalley.com or 996-1090
Artescape Holiday Reception
Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The nonprofit art studio in Boyes Hot Springs is hosting an opening reception with art on display and for sale. Wine and holiday nibbles and the artists in attendance. Details: artsguildofsonoma.org/store. 17474 Highway 12.
Sister Cities Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Sister Cities annual holiday party will be held at the Sonoma Barracks and include holiday treats from each of Sonoma's seven sister cities. Details: sonomasistercitiesassociation.org
Sonoma Hometown Band Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Hometown Band's annual holiday concert is held at Burlingame Hall, 252 West Spain St. Details: sonomahometownband.org
Sonoma Valley Winery Gingerbread Contest
Through Dec. 31.
Cost: Free
Vote for your favorite imaginative, edible gingerbread creation at local wineries. Details: SonomaValleyWine.com or 935-0803.
Lighting of the Snowmen
Saturday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The annual Lighting of the Snowmen has become a Sonoma Valley holiday tradition and the display remains on view through December at Cornerstone Sonoma at 23570 Arnold Drive. Details:933-3010 or cornerstonesonoma.com
Lights of Remembrance (Hospice by the Bay)
Sunday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Join in the community gathering and annual tree lighting ceremony on the Sonoma Plaza. All ages are welcome to share inspiring messages, candle lighting, music and reflection. To sponsor a tribute, call 415-526-5500.
Santa Paws to Benefit Pets Lifeline
Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Take your picture with the entire family, including pets, at Santa Paws. Shop for holiday gear and enjoy hot chocolate. Cornerstone, 23570 Arnold Drive. Details: 933-3010 or cornerstonesonoma.com
Holiday Crafting with Artescape
Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m.
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